MIDDLETOWN, Pa. – Penn State Harrisburg's women's soccer team dropped a slim 1-0 decision to Eastern on Wednesday night, Sept. 23.
Ava Myers and
Abigail Mahaffey led the Lions (1-5-1) with a trio of shots on goal each, while
Teagan Paragon and
Olivia Sgrignioli had an attempt on frame apiece.
Sydney Mulka spent all 90 minutes in goal, tallying a save on the night. Eastern's (3-3-1) goalkeeper Faith Leake shined, recording eight saves and earning the shutout.
Penn State Harrisburg wasted no time against the Eagles, as Mahaffey forced Leake to make a save in the first minute of the contest. Leake's deflection allowed the Lions to have a corner kick opportunity which found Frew, who got her shot blocked by an Eastern defender. In the 27th minute, Myers had a one-on-one chance with Leake, but was unable to kick the ball past the Eagles' goalkeeper. On the other side of the field, Tia Argento and Morgan Bayley challenged the host's defense, with Bayley's attempt hitting the left post. Before halftime, the home team recorded a pair of shots and a corner kick, but the contest stayed scoreless after 45 minutes.
After both squads traded a pair of shots, it was Eastern who scored the game-winning marker in the 65th minute. The visitors took advantage of a foul in the box and called upon Jasmine Eccles to bury the penalty kick in the back of the net, making it 1-0 in favor of the Eagles. Although the Lions limited Eastern to just one shot for the rest of the match, the hosts were unable to convert on numerous scoring opportunities to at least tie. Penn State Harrisburg had four corner kicks, while Myers, Frew, Sgrignioli, Paragon, and Mahaffey all had attempts that forced Leake to make a flurry of saves.
NOTABLES
- Myers tallied four total shots, three of which were on target on Wednesday.
- All three of Mahaffey's attempts were on frame against the Eagles.
- Paragon and Sgrignioli both had a shot on goal each.
- Frew recorded a trio of shots versus Eastern.
- Mulka had a save in goal for the Lions, while the Leake poured in eight saves for the visitors.
- Penn State Harrisburg topped Eastern in shots (13-8) and corner kicks (6-3).
WHO'S NEXT?
The Lions have their first United East Conference matchup as they host Notre Dame (Md.) on Saturday, Sept. 26 at 1 p.m.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can keep up with Penn State Harrisburg Athletics all season long on Instagram, Facebook, X, and Youtube using the handle @
pshbgathletics.
